2006 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.8L
Dealer tested it and let me know that the SKIM is bad.

1. I have seen alot of remote starter kits that use a SKIM bypass. My SKIM is bad if I get one of theses bypass will it work?

2. I can replace the SKIM myself and have the dealer program it. This will save me $300 alone in just labor is that a good idea or shoud I have the dealer do all the work for $630

3. Is there any other cheap way to fix this. I 9 out of 10 do things the right way but I just paid this off and my Durango so money is super tight plus my house needs a lot of work.

When it rains it pours

 

Do you still have a good key? I have read that a good key can be placed inside the steering cover and then any key cut to fit will work. Haven't tried this but it could save you $$$ for now.

 

The SKIM has to be good in order for this to work. The same applies to most remote starters. The so called "bypass" uses the key code to activate the SKIM or SCREEM as it is sometimes called.

 

If your SKIM is bad, there are no other way around it. If you are trying to save a few dollar, call around town, ask for parts price, and ask your dealer to price match part and give you a little discount on labor. Let them do all the work. So if anything wrong happens, they will take care of it.

 

Thanks for the reply i am going to replace it I found it cheaper $95 instead of $130. Just was unsure how the bypass worked. Thanks

 

$630 is a complete reaming, even by dealer standards. My shop...$367 plus tax. That's IF I include a diag fee. If it's tough to zero in on, as in causing BUS issues, I will.

 

This is so true...
We usually charge about 2 hours worth of labor plus the parts. Then again, location sets the price.

 

We are right outside a military installation. Car dealers always charge more!

 

In my area, there is one in close proximity to a military base. They have a reputation for sticking it to the soldiers. So much so that they were advised to steer clear of that place altogether. If enough of you complain to your superiors, they will do something about it. You should be getting a discount, if anything. Not screwed.

 

Amen to that! Once again, one a$$ clown and it makes all of us crooks. Irritating to say the least.